Mountain Heart to top the bill at benefit for Rockingham County Animal Shelter

By Mike Ryan

Published: November 17, 2008

Rockingham County is continuing to work toward building an animal shelter.

The Board of Commissioners has already committed $800,000, but the new facility is projected to cost $1.6 million. To make up the difference, a fundraising initiative called the Rockingham County Animal Shelter Campaign hopes to collect private donations through brick paver sales, corporate sponsorships, grants and fundraising events.

On Saturday, renowned acoustic band Mountain Heart will play a benefit concert in the Reidsville High School Auditorium at 1901 South Park Drive in Reidsville.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Nashville sextet will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. They are available online at rockinghamcountyanimalshelter.org, and during business hours at the Reidsville Chamber of Commerce, Pizza Station in Reidsville and the Eden Chamber of Commerce.

Ginger Waynick, the county’s public information officer, said the maximum attendance for the show is about 1,300 people. If the event sold out, it would generate $15,000.

“This is the first major event of the campaign. It’s a way to kick things off in a big way,“ she said. “Funding for a project like this never ends.“

Proceeds of the benefit show will go toward the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot animal shelter and to help reduce the county’s nearly 80 percent euthanasia rate.

Jason Moore of Ruffin has been Mountain Heart’s bassist for the past eight years. When Moore’s family stopped by the current facility, they heard about how the planned shelter needed help to raise money. That’s when Mountain Heart stepped in to lend a helping hand.

Last year, the band performed a benefit show for Moore’s father, who had cancer. About 700 people turned out.

“It was very successful,“ Moore said.

Julie Swanner, fundraising campaign manager, said the band contacted her about how they could help out.

“It’s unique to have a band of their stature playing,“ Swanner said. “This will be a great night out, and the money goes to a great cause.“

Mountain Heart has appeared on the revered stage of the Grand Ole Opry more than 100 times and shared the stage with acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt and LeAnn Rimes. Moore said the band is receiving a lot of airplay on satellite radio.

The majority of the group’s music is original, but they also play some bluegrass standards and familiar covers. They have six albums to date.

Moore currently has three dogs; he said he has always had one. As an animal lover, he is hoping to draw as many people as possible.

“I’d be happy if we can fill half the place. I’d love to see even more than that,“ Moore said. “This is a way to help the county and the animals out.“

Moore said he is glad the opportunity to play in Rockingham County came up. He believes everyone who comes out to the benefit show will have a good time.

“The band is all over the stage. We’re loud and fast and in your face,“ Moore said. “We want you to leave tired. We give everything we have out there.“

For more information about the benefit or the band, visit http://mountainheart.com or http://myspace.com/mountainheartofficial.

• Mike Ryan can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 34.